aezmvp said:
jabberwalkie09 said:
Mariupol still under Ukrainian control for now.
If they really are trying to go maximalist and get the whole country then going into the cities right now seems like a bad idea unless it's to cut off a significant force from retreating into a city.
The more I look at things and just think about it....I don't see this turning out well for Russia. Thinking as unbiased as I can be.
This is not a million man army but a specialized attack force of less than 200K against an entire nation from what I can tell. The Ukes may not be the strongest but I do believe that they are going to fight as they say. They already are to their credit.
I just don't see how Russia has not bitten off more than they can chew,
IF the Ukes truly fight to the last and draw this out.
Russia can take most of Ukraine in the moment I am sure. Hold? That is such a different story. I have personal experience in that along with many others on this board.
Again, looking at this as objectively as possible I am truly puzzled at the long term goals of Russia here. Did Putin REALY believe his own words and think this is just a quick cleanse and liberation?